Leopoldo Morales fishes along the recently completed portion of the Mission Reach near Padre Park on Sunday morning, March 31, 2013. The new section offers more hiking, bicycling and boating areas, including six miles of trails between Padre Park and Mission San Juan.

Leopoldo Morales fishes along the recently completed portion of the Mission Reach near Padre Park on Sunday morning, March 31, 2013. The new section offers more hiking, bicycling and boating areas, including

Jeannie DeLeon looks over an algae-covered area of the San Antonio River Sunday morning along the recently completed Mission Reach at Padre Park, March 31, 2013.

Jeannie DeLeon looks over an algae-covered area of the San Antonio River Sunday morning along the recently completed Mission Reach at Padre Park, March 31, 2013.

Photo: Robin Jerstad, For The San Antonio Express-News

Jeannie DeLeon looks over an algae-covered area of the San Antonio... Photo-4405080.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A view of downtown San Antonio is afforded from a trail near East Pyron along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this coming Saturday. less

A view of downtown San Antonio is afforded from a trail near East Pyron along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

A view of downtown San Antonio is afforded from a trail near East... Photo-3627293.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A chute is part of a feature along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A total of four miles of the Mission reach will be available for public use this weekend.

A chute is part of a feature along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A total of four miles of the Mission reach will be available for public use this weekend.

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

A chute is part of a feature along the Mission Reach of the San... Photo-3627294.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A car crosses the low water crossing just south of Espada Dam along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this coming Saturday. As part of the construction, the low water crossing was raised five feet in the process. less

A car crosses the low water crossing just south of Espada Dam along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

A car crosses the low water crossing just south of Espada Dam along... Photo-3627295.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Workers construct a bridge over Six-Mile Creek where it drains into the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the Mission each will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this coming Saturday.

Workers construct a bridge over Six-Mile Creek where it drains into the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the Mission each will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this coming Saturday.

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

Workers construct a bridge over Six-Mile Creek where it drains into... Photo-3627296.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Joel Flores, left, and Jesus Soto work on concrete frames as work continues on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this coming Saturday. less

Joel Flores, left, and Jesus Soto work on concrete frames as work continues on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section ... more

Work continues on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this coming Saturday. Around 3.5 million cubic yards of dirt have been moved during the project. less

Work continues on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this coming Saturday. Around 3.5 million cubic yards of ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

Work continues on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River,... Photo-3627298.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A cabana located near Espada Dam is part of the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this coming Saturday. The cabana will be available to the public on a first-come basis. less

A cabana located near Espada Dam is part of the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this coming Saturday. The ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

A cabana located near Espada Dam is part of the Mission Reach of... Photo-3627299.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Work continues on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this coming Saturday. Around 3.5 million cubic yards of dirt have been moved during the project. less

Work continues on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River, Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. A part of the reach will open Tuesday with a larger section opening this coming Saturday. Around 3.5 million cubic yards of ... more

Photo: Jerry Lara, San Antonio Express-News

Work continues on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River,... Photo-3627300.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Members of the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association saw views such as this of the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River at East Theo Avenue and other Mission Reach areas Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, during a bus tour to see how hotel occupancy taxes have been used on renovation and development projects in the area. less

Members of the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association saw views such as this of the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River at East Theo Avenue and other Mission Reach areas Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

Members of the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association saw views... Photo-3505371.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Members of the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association saw views such as this of the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River at East Theo Avenue and other Mission Reach areas Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, during a bus tour to see how hotel occupancy taxes have been used on renovation and development projects in the area. less

Members of the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association saw views such as this of the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River at East Theo Avenue and other Mission Reach areas Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012, ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

Members of the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association saw views... Photo-3507298.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Members of the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association (inside bus) take in views of the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River at East Theo Avenue Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012. Members of the organization took a bus tour to see how hotel occupancy taxes have been used on renovation and development projects in the area. less

Members of the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association (inside bus) take in views of the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River at East Theo Avenue Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2012. Members of the organization ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, San Antonio Express-News

Members of the San Antonio Hotel and Lodging Association (inside... Photo-3507297.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A pedestrian walks on the newest open section of the Mission Reach along the San Antonio River.

A pedestrian walks on the newest open section of the Mission Reach along the San Antonio River.

Photo: 2012 San Antonio Express-News

A pedestrian walks on the newest open section of the Mission Reach... Photo-3149924.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Cyclists ride under the Mrs. Frank W. Sorell Bridge (Roosevelt Ave.) on the new section of the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project of the San Antonio River Monday, July 2, 2012.

Cyclists ride under the Mrs. Frank W. Sorell Bridge (Roosevelt Ave.) on the new section of the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project of the San Antonio River Monday, July 2, 2012.

Jose Iniguez runs with his dog Luno along the recently finished Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project, an eight mile stretch of the San Antonio River, begining at Mission Rd. near Riverside Golf Course, Monday, July 2, 2012. less

Jose Iniguez runs with his dog Luno along the recently finished Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project, an eight mile stretch of the San Antonio River, begining at Mission Rd. near Riverside ... more

Photo: BOB OWEN, San Antonio Express-News

Jose Iniguez runs with his dog Luno along the recently finished... Photo-3148912.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A timelapse of the 25 year progression fo the Mission Reach project. Photos courtesy of the San Antonio river Authority

A cyclist rides on the new section of the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project of the San Antonio River Monday, July 2, 2012.

A cyclist rides on the new section of the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project of the San Antonio River Monday, July 2, 2012.

Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, San Antonio Express-News

A cyclist rides on the new section of the Mission Reach Ecosystem... Photo-3150196.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Photo: Express-News Graphic

Photo-3129271.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison smiles as the Mission Concepción Portal of the San Antonio River Mission Reach project is dedicated to her on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Sen. Hutchison, who has represented Texas since 1993, will leave office in January 2013. less

U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison smiles as the Mission Concepción Portal of the San Antonio River Mission Reach project is dedicated to her on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. Sen. Hutchison, who has represented Texas ... more

The Mission Concepción Portal, which was dedicated to outgoing U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, contains trees and shrubs, as well as ornamental limestone walls. Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

The Mission Concepción Portal, which was dedicated to outgoing U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, contains trees and shrubs, as well as ornamental limestone walls. Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, San Antonio Express-News

The Mission Concepción Portal, which was dedicated to outgoing... Photo-2885662.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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The Mission Concepción Portal, which was dedicated to outgoing U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, contains trees and shrubs, as well as ornamental limestone walls. Sen. Hutchison, who has represented Texas since 1993, will leave office in January. less

The Mission Concepción Portal, which was dedicated to outgoing U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, contains trees and shrubs, as well as ornamental limestone walls. Sen. Hutchison, who has represented Texas since ... more

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, San Antonio Express-News

The Mission Concepción Portal, which was dedicated to outgoing... Photo-2884946.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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The Mission Concepción Portal, which was dedicated to outgoing U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is located by the San Antonio River. Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

The Mission Concepción Portal, which was dedicated to outgoing U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison is located by the San Antonio River. Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

Photo: BILLY CALZADA, San Antonio Express-News

The Mission Concepción Portal, which was dedicated to outgoing... Photo-2885665.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A great egret is one of the birds seen on the river during a tour of the newest part of the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River under construction with County Judge Nelson Wolff, county officials and staff with the San Antonio River Authority on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. less

A great egret is one of the birds seen on the river during a tour of the newest part of the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River under construction with County Judge Nelson Wolff, county officials and staff ... more

Photo: Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News

A great egret is one of the birds seen on the river during a tour... Photo-2283921.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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An Egyptian Goose and it's young walk along the newest part of the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River under construction as County Judge Nelson Wolff, county officials and staff with the San Antonio River Authority take a tour on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2012. less

An Egyptian Goose and it's young walk along the newest part of the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River under construction as County Judge Nelson Wolff, county officials and staff with the San Antonio River ... more

Photo: Lisa Krantz, San Antonio Express-News

An Egyptian Goose and it's young walk along the newest part of... Photo-2265845.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Cyclists attending a ride with the National Conference of State Legislatures head down the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River on Thursday, August 11, 2011. The group started at the Alamo and headed south towards Espada Dam. An Amtrak train (background) is sidetracked waiting for a freight train to pass. less

Cyclists attending a ride with the National Conference of State Legislatures head down the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River on Thursday, August 11, 2011. The group started at the Alamo and headed south ... more

Photo: John Davenport/jdavenport@express-news.net

Cyclists attending a ride with the National Conference of State... Photo-1485108.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Cyclists with a group of people from the National Conference of State Legislatures pass tall grass on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011. The group is in San Antonio for a convention. less

Cyclists with a group of people from the National Conference of State Legislatures pass tall grass on the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2011. The group is in San Antonio for a ... more

Photo: John Davenport/jdavenport@express-news.net

Cyclists with a group of people from the National Conference of... Photo-1485115.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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County officials on a bicycle tour pass wildflowers growing on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on June 2, 2011.

County officials on a bicycle tour pass wildflowers growing on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on June 2, 2011.

Photo: Express-News File Photo

County officials on a bicycle tour pass wildflowers growing on the... Photo-2625468.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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An egret walks along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Wednesday, June 22, 2011.

An egret walks along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Wednesday, June 22, 2011.

Photo: Andrew Buckley/abuckley@express-news.net

An egret walks along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio... Photo-1074616.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Black-bellied whistling ducks are pictured along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River.

Black-bellied whistling ducks are pictured along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River.

Kenneth Bennight maneuvers a small dam while Tom Melee and his dog, Wigger (left) and Randy Hohlaus (right) watch. The men were paddling on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Saturday, May 21, 2011, to see if it is accessible by canoe or kayak. The San Antonio River Authority organized the trial run. less

Kenneth Bennight maneuvers a small dam while Tom Melee and his dog, Wigger (left) and Randy Hohlaus (right) watch. The men were paddling on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Saturday, May ... more

Photo: Lisa Krantz/Express-News

Kenneth Bennight maneuvers a small dam while Tom Melee and his dog,... Photo-1028792.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Craig Norris plays in the currents created by a chute on a small dam on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River as he tries to find out if the river is accessible by canoe or kayak on Saturday, May 21, 2011. The San Antonio River Authority organized the trial run. less

Craig Norris plays in the currents created by a chute on a small dam on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River as he tries to find out if the river is accessible by canoe or kayak on Saturday, May ... more

Photo: Lisa Krantz/Express-News

Craig Norris plays in the currents created by a chute on a small... Photo-1028793.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Craig Norris drops over a dam as he paddles on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River to see if it is accessible by canoe or kayak on Saturday, May 21, 2011. The San Antonio River Authority organized the trial run. less

Craig Norris drops over a dam as he paddles on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River to see if it is accessible by canoe or kayak on Saturday, May 21, 2011. The San Antonio River Authority ... more

Photo: Lisa Krantz/Express-News

Craig Norris drops over a dam as he paddles on the Mission Reach... Photo-1028794.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Tom Melee (left) carries his kayak over the dam with his dog, Wigger, while Craig Norris (center) plays in the currents created by the dam after dropping over it, next to Scott Rote (right), as they paddle on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River to find out if it is accessible by canoe or kayak on Saturday, May 21, 2011. The San Antonio River Authority organized the trial run. Norris is the only one who was able to make it over the dam. less

Tom Melee (left) carries his kayak over the dam with his dog, Wigger, while Craig Norris (center) plays in the currents created by the dam after dropping over it, next to Scott Rote (right), as they paddle on ... more

Photo: Lisa Krantz/Express-News

Tom Melee (left) carries his kayak over the dam with his dog,... Photo-1028789.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Tom Melee, with his dog Wigger, paddles on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River to see if it is accessible by canoe or kayak Saturday. The San Antonio River Authority organized the trial run.

Tom Melee, with his dog Wigger, paddles on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River to see if it is accessible by canoe or kayak Saturday. The San Antonio River Authority organized the trial run.

Photo: Lisa Krantz/Express-News

Tom Melee, with his dog Wigger, paddles on the Mission Reach... Photo-1028790.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Tom Melee and his dog, Wigger, paddle on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River to find out if it is accessible by canoe or kayak on Saturday, May 21, 2011. The San Antonio River Authority organized the trial run. less

Tom Melee and his dog, Wigger, paddle on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River to find out if it is accessible by canoe or kayak on Saturday, May 21, 2011. The San Antonio River Authority organized ... more

San Antonio River water flows through a riffle feature along the Mission Reach area south of downtown. A cycling tour led by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff took place along the Mission Reach on Thursday, June 2, 2011, to highlight the progress that has been made on the project. less

San Antonio River water flows through a riffle feature along the Mission Reach area south of downtown. A cycling tour led by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff took place along the Mission Reach on Thursday, June ... more

Photo: John Davenport/Express-News

San Antonio River water flows through a riffle feature along the... Photo-1028703.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Lee Marlowe, Natural Resource Management Specialist for the San Antonio River Authority (left, gesturing), speaks about plants and wildlife along the Mission Reach area of the San Antonio River. Marlowe was speaking to a group of cyclists including Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff (right, dark cap) and Bexar County Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez (background right, wearing white visor) who were touring the area on Thursday, June 2, 2011. less

Lee Marlowe, Natural Resource Management Specialist for the San Antonio River Authority (left, gesturing), speaks about plants and wildlife along the Mission Reach area of the San Antonio River. Marlowe was ... more

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff (left, gesturing) prepares to embark on a cycling tour of the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Thursday, June 2, 2011. Wolff led the tour to show what's been accomplished there and what developments are taking place. less

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff (left, gesturing) prepares to embark on a cycling tour of the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Thursday, June 2, 2011. Wolff led the tour to show what's been ... more

About a dozen local officials and others involved in the Mission Reach river improvements ride bicycles on Thursday, June 2, 2011, along the San Antonio River south of downtown. The project, led by Bexar County, will restore the river's ecosystem and add recreational facilities over an 8-mile stretch. The tour covered several miles that are under construction. Bexar County District Attorney Susan Reed fell from her bike during the ride and underwent minor surgery for a small fracture in her left wrist, said Reed's first assistant, Cliff Herberg. less

About a dozen local officials and others involved in the Mission Reach river improvements ride bicycles on Thursday, June 2, 2011, along the San Antonio River south of downtown. The project, led by Bexar ... more

Photo: John Davenport/Express-News

About a dozen local officials and others involved in the Mission... Photo-1028706.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff (left front) and Bexar County Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez (right front) lead the way on a cycling tour of the Mission Reach area of the San Antonio River on Thursday, June 2, 2011. The Mission Reach project should be completed by August 2013. less

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff (left front) and Bexar County Commissioner Sergio "Chico" Rodriguez (right front) lead the way on a cycling tour of the Mission Reach area of the San Antonio River on Thursday, ... more

Cyclists on a tour pass over what's known as the Cascarone Bridge on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Thursday, June 2, 2011. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff led a cycling tour of the Mission Reach to show what has been accomplished along the route and to highlight future plans for the area. In the background is an old CPS power plant. less

Cyclists on a tour pass over what's known as the Cascarone Bridge on the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Thursday, June 2, 2011. Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff led a cycling tour of the ... more

Photo: John Davenport/Express-News

Cyclists on a tour pass over what's known as the Cascarone... Photo-1028709.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Bluebonnet bloom along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

Bluebonnet bloom along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Bluebonnet bloom along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio... Photo-2625496.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A bee lands on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

A bee lands on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

A bee lands on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach portion of the... Photo-2625497.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Bluebonnet bloom along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River as a cyclist passes on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

Bluebonnet bloom along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River as a cyclist passes on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

Bluebonnet bloom along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio... Photo-2625498.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A bee attempts to land on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

A bee attempts to land on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

A bee attempts to land on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach... Photo-2625499.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A bee lands on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

A bee lands on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

A bee lands on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach portion of the... Photo-2625490.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A bee lands on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

A bee lands on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

A bee lands on a bluebonnet along the Mission Reach portion of the... Photo-2625492.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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A bluebonnet blooms along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

A bluebonnet blooms along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River on Tuesday, March 13, 2012.

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

A bluebonnet blooms along the Mission Reach portion of the San... Photo-2625495.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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An unidentified flower grows as Riparian Field Technicians tend to the weeds within the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project area on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

An unidentified flower grows as Riparian Field Technicians tend to the weeds within the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project area on Wednesday, April 20, 2011.

Resident Mary Flannigan holds onto her golden retriever, Sasha, as the canine takes a cool dip in the San Antonio River. County and San Antonio River Authority officials kicked off the soft opening of the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Project with tours near Roosevelt Park on Saturday. The newly restored section features new hike and bike trails for public use. less

Resident Mary Flannigan holds onto her golden retriever, Sasha, as the canine takes a cool dip in the San Antonio River. County and San Antonio River Authority officials kicked off the soft opening of the ... more

A visitor takes his dog for a walk along the newly opened Mission Reach section near Roosevelt Park. County and San Antonio River Authority officials kicked off the soft opening of the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Project with tours on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010. Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net less

A visitor takes his dog for a walk along the newly opened Mission Reach section near Roosevelt Park. County and San Antonio River Authority officials kicked off the soft opening of the Mission Reach of the San ... more

Photo: KIN MAN HUI, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

A visitor takes his dog for a walk along the newly opened Mission... Photo-1984798.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Phase 1 of the Mission Reach project along the San Antonio River has opened to the public. It features walking trails, hike and bike paths and park areas for visitors.

Phase 1 of the Mission Reach project along the San Antonio River has opened to the public. It features walking trails, hike and bike paths and park areas for visitors.

Phase 1 of the Mission Reach project along the San Antonio River... Photo-487367.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Plants such as the basket flower are examples of the types of plants, flowers and grasses that are being reintroduced to the banks of the San Antonio River on the Mission Reach area. Some areas along the river have been more successful than others and the opening of Phase 1 to the public has been postponed. less

Plants such as the basket flower are examples of the types of plants, flowers and grasses that are being reintroduced to the banks of the San Antonio River on the Mission Reach area. Some areas along the river ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Plants such as the basket flower are examples of the types of... Photo-1984797.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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The San Antonio River Authority has a new video to promote and explain the Mission Reach with voice over by Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff.

Media: Express News

The San Antonio River Authority has a new video to promote and... Media-4290.45413 - San Antonio Express-News

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Though some Mission Reach upgrades are immediate, thousands of trees will take time to mature.

Though some Mission Reach upgrades are immediate, thousands of trees will take time to mature.